October 15, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 19, 81, 113
Hosea 11:1-11
1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Matthew 15:21-28

II. Selections
Psalm 19:8
...the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eyes ...

Hosea 11:4
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks,
I bent down to them and fed them.

1 Corinthians 4:11-13a
To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly.

Matthew 15:27
[ The Canaanite woman] said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

III. Meditation: Cords of kindness, bands of love

You have led us with cords of kindness, bands of love;
you have bent down to feed us, and lifted us to your cheeks.
Your precepts are right, rejoicing the heart;
your commandments clear, enlightening the eyes.

Remind us of heroes of the faith
who have returned your love:
hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed,
beaten, homeless, and weary

from the work of their own hands,
they have blessed when reviled,
endured when persecuted,
spoken kindly when slandered.

Let the Canaanite woman inspire us: bands of love
to her sick child held her in pursuit of Jesus;
disregarding all rebuffs, she out-debated
him whom no other ever bested in debate.